N.H.K ep 19 fitted in nicely with the topic that I’ve been pondering for the past few days.

For a while, I have been thinking… Influence v.s Individualistic thinking, ok scatch that. I don’t really have a definite phrase for the topic.

NHK 19 flawlessly pointed out the reality of the world v.s ‘quick-way-to-earn’ money (e.g. MLM, RMT (Real Money Trading)). I got foolishly involved in MLM once, though I don’t wish to talk about it.

People have individual ideals. What are ideals? A conception of something in its absolute perfection? Or an honorable or worthy principle or aim? It could be an ultimate object of endeavor; a goal even. During the world wars, I believe the opposing/defending countries each had ideals of which they wish to protect/execute. However, are these ideals accepted in the world?

Many have ideals they wish to fulfill, but how many give up when the going gets tough? How many would admint it is impossible to grasp hold of a small bit of it even? How many would admit they were wrong?

Egos, a consciousness of your own identity. It’s like a double edged sword. It helps and hurts you. Egos, something that *might* overwrite all external influences, unless overwhelmed by a greater ego or external influence. Ego either breaks you apart, or patches you up even tighter.

Influences play a role in everyday life. It either conflicts with individual thinking or flows with it. Just like ego, it is a double edged sword. Influences might be lies that brainwash individual thinking, or it could be the truth, allowing the expansion of one’s individual thinking.

Yet, do we filter out these bad influences and thinking? Or do we readily accept it? Selective selection even? I believe, it’s one’s decision and choice that would bring about learning. We make a bad decision, we screw up, get fvcked over, learn from it. A common phrase “Life does not have a second chance” makes people fearful of the decision one would make, thinking “Would I screw up just like the previous time? Would this be sucessful? Getting it wrong again would embarrass me” In my opinion, Life does have a second chance, but that is to a certain extent.

Humans make this embarrassing defective judgement known as a mistake. We make a mistake, learn, carry on. I like this phrase “One that is fortunate, would be one that have learnt the mistakes made in the past, and not to repeat them again” This would be much better than one that does not know about the mistake made, and repeatly makes it. You can see that good external influence would have to enter into wrong/twisted individual thinking correct the mistake made.

One might argue that “One that doesn’t make mistakes at all would be most fortunate”, however, this is reality, evolution based on mistakes learnt. This might also lead to “Not knowing the mistake even after making it”. Avoidance of such is near impossible.

So, what’s the conclusion? I don’t have a definite answer, but for what I do know, a nice balance between individual thinking and influence should be applied. Make a mistake, learn from the good external influence/thinking, change, carry on.

Yay! As seen from the title, YUI - Rolling Star PV (Bleach ’s 5th OP) is out!

It was broadcasted on Japan’s Space Shower TV during a thirty minitues program beginning at midnight.

本日の「めざましテレビ」にてO,Aになりました、
『Rolling star』のMUSIC VIDEO。
たくさんの反響ありがとうございます！
ニュース番組なので早めにインフォできないので、
ご覧いただけなかった方もたくさんいたと思います。

Source: YUI-net, Staff report <Link>

People who can’t read Japanese can also view Gin’s fansite which includes translations of YUI’s diary and the staff report.

Yes, it was on short notice, but a bit of Rolling Star’s new Music Video premiered on Mezamashi TV yesterday. What a reaction we got! Thanks for the compliments! Aaaaand complaints. Yeah. Some people didn’t see the premiere because of said short notice. Sorry.

Source: Blue Wind <Link>

Also, the lyrics and translations for Rolling Star is out as well. There is a ’song rip from the video’ on the internets as well :)

Rolling Star Pictures

Lyrics and Translations on Blue Wind <Link>

Rolling Star PV Download <Link>

Language , a form of communication protocal used between 2 parties. One that allows relationships to be built or broken. One that pushes us beyond our very own limits. New experiences, new people, new environment. Or is it merely for survival? How far can we go with this communication protocol? How does our brain process such complex terms and emotions that link to it?

What sparks interest in a language? Is it pop culture? Music culture? Fashion? Visual arts?  Or just plain fiery passion to learn the language to communicate?

Danny from Dannychoo.com did a neat post on “Learn Japanese”. It explains on the very root of that curiousity and enthusiasm, moving onto the process, and the results and achievements.

Read his blog entry <Link>

 I never did questioned why I would like to learn a new language. I guess it’s mostly pure interest. and the culture that is linked to it. Also, learning it would enable proper communication with those on the other side (in the other country). On IRC, we have people from all walks of life (and countries). France, Holland, Kyoto, London, Orleans, Russian, Tibet, etc. Yet, we communicate using the ’standard’ langauge, English. I believe that in order to completely understand a country’s culture, one needs to know it’s language. Take Singapore for example, we have ’singlish’ (creole, mixture of languages).

Lah, Lor, Leh etc, are discourse particles at the end of sentences. Jokes and puns require knowledge of singlish and probably malay, hokkien, cantonese etc. Many (foreigners) think that just by adding a ‘ah’or ‘Loh’ at the end of each sentece, they will be speaking singlish. Unfortuntely, I’m afriad you’re wrong.

So, what made me take up Japanese? I guess it was the desire to be a mangaka (manga creator/author) or a anime character developer. Why the interest in anime? It’s probably because it’s moe (cute), ever-ready refreshing and lots of fun to watch. An online friend of mine told me “Hey, let’s study Japanese and be involved in anime creation in one way or another”. We had similar interest in anime. And from that day, I somehow swore to work in Japan one day. He’s studying in Japan starting next march.

However, living in Japan wouldn’t be an easy task. Given that it’s ‘the most difficult language to pick up’ , I believe it would take lots of hardwork and passion to get there. It is the same with other languages as well. Each having it’s own form of difficulties. Yet, during the process of learning, we find satisfication as we continue to improve, just like how a small kid smiles with each step he/she take, or how one reaches orgasm and wants it again.

Having said this, what is your desire? Lust? Passion?

^Autumn (Oct) Issue of S

There are many different kinds of anime, manga & game related magazines. The much more well known ones are probably NewType Japan, Megami, Animage etc.

The magazine above, S (I have nfi what it stands for) is one that features artworks, coloring and drawing techniques, anime development work, interviews with creators etc. Each issue also includes a fold-out ‘poster’ somewhere near the start of the issue. Each issue should be released monthy I reckon.

Site link <Link>

 
^ Click to view meaner and larger image

Now with CG.

Do view the larger image, I think it’s better.

I am lacking in the art skill. I need a drawing partner. Need lots and lots of practice. Should bring a sketchbook along to school.

:/

Critique please.

 
^ The Straits Times, 11 November 2006
(Click image for larger and meaner image)

Or download the scanned article here.

Teen, 17, first to be charged with unauthorised wireless Net access.

Wow. Charged for unauthorization. (Sarcasm)

This article did not elaborate on what circumstances this teenager was charged with. Which leaves me to ponder…

1. Either the neighbour wanted to be an ass and decided to lodge a complaint against him

2. The kid was downloading illegal stuff (ran share/winny or some p2p program) via his neighbour’s network, and the neighbour received a letter from the RIAS (Recording Industry Association of Singapore) and decided to employ some IT expert to take a look at the logs, monitor the network traffic, found a unknown MAC address, traced it back to the kid and lodged a complaint against him.

3. This was actualy a hoax (JOKING)

We can leave options 1 and 3 out. Which leaves us with option 2.

There are 2 sides to this issue. The former, ‘owners’ of wi-fi networks, and the latter, the ‘users’.

I really do not understand why he has to lodge a complaint against the kid. Unless the kid has been downloading illegial stuff, sure go ahead. But just unauthorized access? Isn’t lodging a complaint going too far? Why waste that money on hiring a lawyer and stuff, when being the owner of the Wi-fi network, access the router’s setting page, set-up WEP, WPA, WPA2 and volia! Network secured (to a certain extent).

There are so many ways in which a wireless network can be secured.

Methods

- Set up WEP, WPA or WPA2
- Change the default access password/username (if applicable)
- Disable SSID Broadcast
- MAC filtering
- Static IP addressing (disable DHCP and manually assign an IP to each pc)

Or even better, disable wireless and stick to UTP cables for connection.

The article mentioned on how many users (wifi-owners) do not seem to realize they can block intruders by setting passwords. And also that in some countries, like Holland, Wi-fi network owners can even be held liable by the courts for crimes commited their unprotected networks. That’s what you get for leaving your network open. :p

ASSUMPTION, the everyday used state of mind. Assume and it makes an ass out of you and me.

Many people do not take the time to read the manual even, comprimising their own network security, assuming that it would not be accessed by an unauthorized person. I remember doing a mini-project of my own last year, scanning the number of unsecured wireless networks available near my estate. To my horror, many were unsecured and what’s worst is that they were using the default SSID.

Owners, do your part by securing your wireless networks if you do not want unauthorized access. Instead of bitching “Hey! ‘Insert name here’ accessed my network without my permission”, secure it first! Prevention is better than cure. A quick search on the net and you can find guides on securing your network.

On the other hand, I believe the ‘users’ do have to understand the dire conseqeunces of accessing a network you’re unauthorized to do so. You got yourself into this shit, now clear it up yourself and face judgement. It is your own maturity. Cause and effect. Do not expect someone to clean up your mistakes.

Of course, there are methods to cover your tracks, but lets not mention it here :)

Always remember,